The Script of Evil

04 - The solving of the puzzle

"Bosch, why?

"Kadin Bosch, will you be Billy Shaw's boyfriend?"

Kadin flushes. "What? Just like that? You can't be serious!"

"I like you, Kadin, you are cool. I like to be in your presence. Don't you like me?"

For a while she looks at Billy quietly and then answers friendly: "I like you Billy Shaw; you are cool as well. I like to be with you. We can be friends as long as you promise to hold your hands off me."

~. ~. ~

After school they meet at the main gate and walk to the bus stop. "What are you usually doing after school, Billy?"

"Squash, or swimming or running or something ..."

"I know now why you look so fit and athletically. Do you do any sport for Framesby?"

"No, Framesby hasn't got a squash team and that's my game. Tony, a friend of my mother, plays in the league for Crusaders squash club. That's the club at the back of the cricket stand, you know. He's my coach. I usually practice with his team and play for them in the winter league. At the moment I'm playing in the summer league. I really enjoy the game. Swimming and running only keep me fit for squash."

"Hi, I've never seen a live squash match before. It will be quite exciting to see you play."

"We are playing summer league this Thursday evening and you are most welcome. I will be playing first; at 17:30."

"Can't wait to see you in action."

"You are also looking good. What is keeping your body in shape and slim?"

"Well, I don't overindulge in food and I like to walk a lot. I always wanted to run around the park, but I always tell myself 'tomorrow' and tomorrow never come.

"Why don't you come and jog with me this afternoon?"

"I'll have to get running shoes first."

"Okay, then come and swim with me. I've got a season ticket and a key for a side entrance of St George's Park. I usually swim after hours when the visitors are gone and mostly alone."

"I'm not a good swimmer and I don't have swimming goggles."

Billy's eyes look extra blue when he smiles. "I've got an extra one especially for you and even a cap for that lovely brown hair of yours."

"I think you're not going to stop. Fine, but I must be home before dark. My mother will worry herself sick if I roam the streets and it is dark. Central isn't as safe as it used to be."

"I promise I'll take you all the way to your front gate before it gets dark, Kadin Bosch."

On the bus later Kadin burns to talk to Billy but the bus is too noisy. They exchange cell phone numbers and test WhatsApp. Kadin opens Billy's profile photo. He is next to his mother with his arm around her neck. She looks quite sophisticated in her office attire. She has beautiful blond hair and smiles happily with her left arm around Billy's backside.

She sends him a message: 'Mother lovely.'

Billy opens her profile photo; she is sitting between Jack and Rene. He messages: 'You & mother pretty. Father proud.'

They smile at each other. Billy texts again: 'Throw down everything. Meet me at circle in Western Street.'

'Beat you to there.'

'Never. Costume + towel ... temple, then swim ...'

'OK'

Billy jumps out of the bus at Cape Avenue and she rides all the way to Trinder Park. Rene is at work and the house is quiet. She downs everything, grabs her costume and a towel and in her school clothes rushes out. She must beat him to the circle.